Pre Employment Drug Testing and Screening

When it comes to drug testing, pre employment drug testing and screening is the most common type of drug testing services performed. Some occupations such as heavy equipment operators are required to have DOT drug testing completed throughout employment. Other companies may use pre employment drug testing and screening services specifically during the hiring process to protect their company.

While the majority of employers are not required to perform pre employment drug testing and screening, by doing so, employers are limiting adverse outcomes that could occur if a drug user was hired. Depending on state law and company policy, employers may require pre employment drug testing and screening prior to making a job offer or as a contingency for a job offer.

Pre Employment Drug Testing and Screening: What To Expect

Job applicants or employees can expect pre employment drug testing and screening to be in the form of a urine test or hair test or both. The urine test is the most commonly used drug testing method. A urinalysis will show the presence of drug residues that remain in the body long after the effects of the drug have worn off. Employers may also consider hair drug testing as drug metabolites remain in the hair for up to 90 days while most metabolites will remain in urine for on average a few days up to three weeks.

A typical pre employment drug test will screen for amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamines, opiates, nicotine, and alcohol. Potential employees should be aware of how long certain drugs and alcohol may show up during the pre employment drug testing and screening process.